Updating elderly caravan

[Joann]

Hi All

Just bought an elderly Dethleffs Camper 490t Caravan, and need some advice re bringing it up to date, are any of the following upgrades possible and would they be expensive?

1) Van has no Leisure battery, only works off mains at present could one be fitted?

2) Van has an onboard water tank under the sink in the bathroom, could this be changed to an external water supply using an aquaroll.

3) the caravan is a german import and has continental sockets could it be rewired to UK 3 pin sockets?

Any advice would be welcome

Sorry about all the questions, best regards

Jo

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Joann,

Yes a leisure battery can be fitted

Yes an out-board tank can be used

and the caravan can be set up for UK mains wiring

BUT the caravan will need to be rewired to meet UK regs, and a totally new 12V circuits and charger fitted to make use of the leisure battery.

Unless you are fully competent in all wiring matters it is best and safest to refer the job to a caravan electrician.

 

[Joann]

Thanks for the reply John L,

Our DIY electrical skills end at wiring a plug so all the work would be done professionally. I didn't realise it would mean a complete rewire.

Does anyone have a rough idea of the costs involved?

In other words how much overtime will I have to do to pay for it.

Best Regards and happy caravanning

Joann

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Joann

Without seeing the actual caravan it is very difficult to be able to identify exactly what is needed, so I suggest that rather than have people here guess at a price, ring round a few caravan dealers or caravan electricians and get them to quote you for the work.

It may be that the original 230V ac wiring and some of the switches are compatible with UK regulations, but only an electrician who can see the parts would be able to tell.

Please forgive me if you already know, but even with a leisure battery the 12V system has a relatively small amount of power available, It is normally only used for a water pump , a few 12V lights, radio, any dedicated caravan appliances like controls for water heaters and blown air fans.

You can have an inverter which converts the 12V dc to 230Vac will but it will only normally manage a few small appliances like a TV or computer for a limited time, it will not manage high power devices like hair dryers or kettles etc. The fridge will discharge a battery in a matter of hours,

You need to think about what you want each power source (12Vdc and 230V mains) to do and discuss it your fitter. I suggest you make with make a list of the specific features you want to include, so that each quote is a like for like.

It is only fair to warn you that there are specific regulations that pertain to both 12V and 230V systems in touring caravans. Your fitter must be fully conversant with them.

Of particular note;

The MCB's must be double pole models,

Battery charger/mains to 12V converter must by a regulated 13.8V output.

Battery must be fitted in an externally ventilated box

In general caravan workshops should know all about these issues and have access to the necessary parts.

 

[Joann]

Hi John L,

Thanks for the advice, I will make enquiries about quotes for the work. It all sounds quite involved.

I would like the option to use the van 'off grid' I am not bothered about TV etc. just running the lights and water pump, the fridge and kettle can be gas powered.

Best regards and thank you again

Joann